CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 1/1/00 Continuing freeze/thaw cycles are aiding the consolidation of the snowpack. However deep accumulations of heavy, wet slab, which could be triggered by a climbing party, are still evident on N through E to S aspects above 700m. Also with a freezing level above the summits, there is an increased risk of cornice collapse. The avalanche hazard remains Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 2/1/00 A forecast of heavy overnight snow and continued snow showers tomorrow on a fresh West becoming SW wind, coupled with freezing levels dropping to 750m will accumulate fresh windslab on N through E to S aspects above 700m. Deepest accumulations will be encountered in sheltered gullies and hollows of the above mentioned aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) with avalanches likely in the above mentioned areas. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at lower levels severely depleted. Still plenty above 750m. ICING:About to be buried again!! COMMENT:Looks like its back to winter again. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 1-1-00 The first freeze-thaw cycle of the year occurred. Overnight cooling to -3.0 degrees at 1100 metres produced a surface crust that still breaks through by foot penetration to 15centimtres. The daytime warming to 3 degrees at 1000 metres contributed to more settlement of the snowpack. Strong westerly winds have only minor amounts of snow for transport. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 2-1-00 Heavy snow amounts above 1000 metres will quickly increase the hazard and make avalanches likely. The deeper snowpack is stable but storm load and new slab formation will be easily triggered on the crust. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: The sprinkle of rain made little change to travel conditions. There has been very limited snow transport. ICING: The glazed and rime iced areas became a little thicker with the melt freeze cycle. COMMENT: On this first day, the travel conditions are only heavy for those with heavy heads. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 1/1/00 Mild conditions with rain overnight and during Saturday have produced areas of weakly bonded wet snow. Greatest accumulations are on steep slopes and gullies with N to E through SE aspects above 800m. In these locations the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Remaining cornices prone to collapse. Avalanche debris observed below No5 gully, Ben Nevis. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 2/1/00 A return to colder conditions overnight and during Sunday will help stabilise the existing snowpack. Heavy snow showers and a strong W/SW airflow during this period will form fresh areas of unstable windslab. Greatest accumulations will be on sheltered steep slopes and gullies with NE, E and SE aspects above 800m. Avalanches are likely in these locations. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main cover above 800m ICING: Freezing level lowering to 750m on Sunday. COMMENT: Returning colder again. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 1/1/00 A melt freeze cycle has left the snow firm and stable at all levels. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). Some cornices are still in place and threaten slopes below. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 2/1/00 Some light snow showers on strong SW winds will leave new accumulations on N to E aspects. Where new deposits are at their greatest and overlie existing harder snow they will have poor stability. Greatest hazard will be found at the tops of gullies and steeper slopes where the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Exposed slopes will be scoured and icy. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy up to 850m then reasonable cover thereafter. ICING: Generally lean on climbs. Some buttresses holding plenty of snow. COMMENT: Freezing levels dropping to valley level during the day. Happy New Year! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------